As an 8-year-old, Darrell Pedersen started a fire in his basement on Christmas day. "I made sure it was entirely safe," says Pedersen. And so begins many tales of youth and misdeeds in Campfire in the Basements, winner of the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award in the memoir category.
Through photos and objects, as well as a north woods lake, Pederson draws on elements of the past to conjure memories and stories that harness a relatability to many who spent their youths in the 50s and 60s. "Every once in a while, someone will present something to me... and that'll bring back memories and off I go on another story."
Since the book awards, Pederson has stayed busy writing. Who Will Carry the Fire is a second collection of memoirs, and a third will be published soon.
Campfire in the Basement is available at various libraries as well at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and other local bookstores. The book can also be found online through Darrell Pedersen's website.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
